Meanwhile, Assistant City Manager Pete Witschen said: "We want to alleviate it [the problem] from happening in the future."

He added that the city wants to create "an environment of certainty, so then when we're marketing downtown we'll be able to give developers a better handle on what the development envelope can be."

Until FAA approval, both the Las Olas Grand and River House projects are in jeopardy. The tower at FAU might have to be modified, Witschen said.

One alternative officials will study is how much money it would cost to build additional radar units if a building blocks its path, said Mayor Jim Naugle. Then, he said, developers could be told to pay that fee for their building to be constructed.

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4557.